How Dry January Could Benefit Your Life

With 2015 coming to an end and the New Year about to begin, many people are taking up the challenge of Dry January and try their luck for optimal alcohol detox. Most will have had enough of alcohol by the time January begins, so it makes sense to attempt an alcohol-free month for alcohol detox – but will it really make a difference to your health and wellbeing?

What is Dry January?

Dry January is now an official event that promotes abstention from alcohol for the entire month of January, and there are many benefits to doing just that. For starters, it will improve your health, it will hopefully see you tipping the scales a bit lighter by February, and it will mean more money in your pocket. Many people who take part in Dry January will raise money for Alcohol Concern’s fight to help those affected by alcohol addiction.

Thousands are signing up to take part in 2016 and they will be surprised at how many benefits there are to doing so. Below are a few of the benefits you can expect if you give up alcohol for just one month:

You will have more energy

You will experience a better sleep

Your skin will become much clearer

You will not have to worry about hangovers and losing entire days in bed

You will lose weight

You will probably drink less going forward as your body resets itself

You will save money.

The idea of a month without alcohol may seem daunting, but it may be easier than you think. Many people who take part stay away from bars and clubs and will instead meet friends for a coffee or go to the cinema.

According to Alcohol Concern, ten per cent of those who participated in 2015, stated that they did not plan on going back to alcohol while sixty per cent decided to drink less than they did before.

The Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Most are aware that there are Government guidelines in place for the recommended daily allowance of alcohol, but few actually pay any notice to them. Many do not understand what these mean and regularly drink more than this amount. Nonetheless, exceeding the recommended allowances can be dangerous for your health and can lead to addiction.

Those who drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol are increasing their risk of developing health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, liver diseases, stroke, dementia and some cancers.

Women are currently advised to have no more than two to three units of alcohol each day, which equates to a glass of wine while men are encouraged to stick to three to four units or a pint of strong lager.

Alcohol Addiction

Another consequence of excessive alcohol consumption is addiction; with so many problem drinkers in the UK, this is a growing concern. Many individuals already have a problem with alcohol without even realising it. They have been gradually building up a tolerance to the substance and need to drink more and more to experience the same effects. Many only recognise that they have a problem when they try to quit and find that they cannot. They begin to experience side effects once they stop drinking, and soon discover that the way to stop these side effects is to have another drink. Thus begins a vicious cycle that can lead to devastating consequences such as relationship breakdown and financial ruin.

Help for Addiction

Happily, there are many organisations that work hard to ensure that as many people as possible get the help they need for addiction. Addiction Helper is working hard to connect those suffering from alcohol addiction with treatment providers around the country. If you need help, contact us today.

Addiction Helper Will help you find the best treament for you or a loved one with just one telephone call. Our fully trained addiction counsellors are here 24 hours a day and offer advice on both NHS and private treatment options. Our Addiction Helpline is 100% free to use and all calls are confidential.

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